Ruben Galicia: Colors Without Any Rules
Interview with a promising Mexican artist.
Interview and photographs by Eduardo Barraza
Phoenix, Arizona. November 14, 2006 - Rubén Galicia’s art displays aspects of Mexican culture, and projects
as well a contemporary perspective of an emerging Latino art within the context of the Southwest. His
paintings stand out for the richness and intensity of their colors. His pictorial work evokes dreams and
metaphors in which both simple elements and enigmatic symbols are recreated, inspiring reflection and
captivating the eyes. He was born in Mexico City (April 10, 1967.) His mother is from the state of Guanajuato,
and his father was from Mexico City. He is the second of five children: two brothers and two sisters. They
came to the United States in 1986.
BARRIOZONA: How did Rubén Galicia begin as an artist?
Rubén Galicia: I began painting since I was a child, because I liked to transform and to create, but I never did
anything seriously. About seven years ago, I began to draw and paint. I enjoyed it so much that I told myself
I would paint for the rest of my life, and so be it I hope.
BARRIOZONA: What do you try to express through your paintings?
Rubén Galicia: Through my paintings I express human feelings going from love, to sadness, to hate I also
manifest in them the actions that we as human beings do against our planet and mankind.
BARRIOZONA: Why do you use such vibrant colors in your creations?
Rubén Galicia: Latin American culture is rich in color. We use colors without following any rules, and we use
them in our homes, our clothing, and food, just to mention a few. It is part of our Latino soul; I personally
believe color is in my genetic code.
BARRIOZONA: What is the underlying meaning of the symbolism in your paintings?
Rubén Galicia: As I mentioned before, I express feelings and emotions using symbols that I create, and I
complement them with images of our culture. At the same time, I try to give it a contemporary stroke, thus
blending the ancient with the new.
BARRIOZONA: What are the challenges and advantages that you encounter as a Mexican artist in the U.S.?
Rubén Galicia; As an artist the challenge is with myself, to improve in each painting; advantages, there are
many. People perceive me in a different way; as a Mexican who is different. And just as a Mexican, no
comment; one only has to read the newspapers to find out what concept the majority of the Anglo people
have about us. Not everybody has a bad concept about us. I have many Anglo friends who appreciate me
and who I appreciate.
www.rubengalicia.com
as well a contemporary perspective of an emerging Latino art within the context of the Southwest. His
paintings stand out for the richness and intensity of their colors. His pictorial work evokes dreams and
metaphors in which both simple elements and enigmatic symbols are recreated, inspiring reflection and
captivating the eyes. He was born in Mexico City (April 10, 1967.) His mother is from the state of Guanajuato,
and his father was from Mexico City. He is the second of five children: two brothers and two sisters. They
came to the United States in 1986.
BARRIOZONA: How did Rubén Galicia begin as an artist?
Rubén Galicia: I began painting since I was a child, because I liked to transform and to create, but I never did
anything seriously. About seven years ago, I began to draw and paint. I enjoyed it so much that I told myself
I would paint for the rest of my life, and so be it I hope.
BARRIOZONA: What do you try to express through your paintings?
Rubén Galicia: Through my paintings I express human feelings going from love, to sadness, to hate I also
manifest in them the actions that we as human beings do against our planet and mankind.
BARRIOZONA: Why do you use such vibrant colors in your creations?
Rubén Galicia: Latin American culture is rich in color. We use colors without following any rules, and we use
them in our homes, our clothing, and food, just to mention a few. It is part of our Latino soul; I personally
believe color is in my genetic code.
BARRIOZONA: What is the underlying meaning of the symbolism in your paintings?
Rubén Galicia: As I mentioned before, I express feelings and emotions using symbols that I create, and I
complement them with images of our culture. At the same time, I try to give it a contemporary stroke, thus
blending the ancient with the new.
BARRIOZONA: What are the challenges and advantages that you encounter as a Mexican artist in the U.S.?
Rubén Galicia; As an artist the challenge is with myself, to improve in each painting; advantages, there are
many. People perceive me in a different way; as a Mexican who is different. And just as a Mexican, no
comment; one only has to read the newspapers to find out what concept the majority of the Anglo people
have about us. Not everybody has a bad concept about us. I have many Anglo friends who appreciate me
and who I appreciate.
www.rubengalicia.com
barriozona.com
| INTERACTIVE |
| ADVERTISEMENT |
Published by the Hispanic Institute of Social Issues in Phoenix, Arizona
|
| HISTORY IS ABOUT TO CHANGE Grassroots Journalism |
SYMBOLISM "I express
feelings and emotions using
symbols that I create, and I
complement them with images
of our culture."
feelings and emotions using
symbols that I create, and I
complement them with images
of our culture."
Eduardo Barraza is a journalist and writer,
Barriozona Magazine's editor, and director of
the Hispanic Insitute of Social Issues.
E-mail: editor@barriozona.com
Barriozona Magazine's editor, and director of
the Hispanic Insitute of Social Issues.
E-mail: editor@barriozona.com
